Investigation on gradient dielectric characteristics of bamboo ( Dendrocalamus strictus )

Dielectric constant (ε′) and tan δ dependence on distance from the outer most skin to the center of bamboo has been determined. Dielectric measurements have been done in the temperature range from 24 to 120°C and in the frequency range from 4 to 100 kHz. Gradient behavior in dielectric constant (ε′) and tan δ has been found in bamboo. It has also been observed that the dielectric constant (ε′) and tan δ increase with the increasing temperature and decrease with the increasing frequency. Relaxation times have been calculated for the four samples at 80, 90, and 100°C temperatures, which show that relaxation time decreases with the increase of temperature due to the increased molecular mobility. A continuous increase in the hardness from the center 48 to the outer surface 70 and density from 0.45 to 0.80 g/cc has been observed. © 2006 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci 102: 3489–3494, 2006